Weather impacts from kona storm persist with rain, strong winds in the forecast

A powerful kona storm will produce periods of hazardous weather impacts across the Hawaiian Islands through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS says we can expect a combination of threats ranging from significant flash flooding, damaging winds, snow and ice over the highest Big Island summits and strong to severe thunderstorms.

“The strongest southwesterly winds from Friday to Saturday will produce damaging wind gusts along north and east of the island mountains. Unsettled wet weather conditions with southwesterly winds will continue into early next week,” according tot he latest forecast.

The kona storm will begin to lift northward on Monday, and unsettled weather will start to ease across the Hawaiʻi region. High pressure will build back in north of the state allowing trade winds to return from next Wednesday onward.

There is a Flood Watch in effect for Maui County until 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026. There is also a High Wind Warning in effect for Maui County from 6 p.m. tonight, and lasting until Sunday morning.

Maui closures implemented as severe weather persists from kona storm

The County of Maui’s Kepaniwai Park and the State of Hawaiʻi’s ʻĪao Valley State Monument were closed starting on Wednesday due to the severe weather forecast. Signs were posted below Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens, blocking access for entry, with another sign indicating travel into the valley for residential traffic only.

All Maui County parks and pools, including Waiehu Municipal Golf Course and Kepaniwai Park and Heritage Gardens, were closed until further notice due to severe weather conditions.

Earlier, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources closed camping areas on Maui, Molokaʻi and Oʻahu until further notice. On Maui, includes: Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area and Waiʻānapanapa State Park. On Molokaʻi, this includes Pālāʻau State Park overlooking Kalaupapa peninsula. On Oʻahu, camping sites are: Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park, Mālaekahana State Recreation Area, Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area, and Sand Island State Recreation Area.

This post will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.

• SENIOR SERVICES: Kaunoa Senior Services will suspend services countywide on Friday, 3/13, due to severe weather conditions. Services are expected to resume on Monday, 3/16. For assistance, call Kaunoa staff at Spreckelsville campus at (808) 270-7308, option 3. Meals on Wheels have been delivered in advance and will not be delivered 3/13.

• TRANSPORTATION: The Molokaʻi East End bus route was canceled today, 3/12, due to unsafe road conditions.

• LANDFILLS AND RECYCLING CENTERS: Molokaʻi (including recycling, metals collection and green waste areas) and Lānaʻi landfills were closed at 9:30 a.m. on March 12 due to unsafe operational conditions caused by heavy rain. Recycling centers located in Haʻikū, Makawao, Kīhei and Molokaʻi were closed today, March 12, due to safety concerns over weather conditions. Landfills and recycling centers will reopen when sites are deemed safe. Trash pickups are still being conducted; however, schedule changes may occur if weather conditions deteriorate.

SHELTER INFORMATION

In coordination with the Maui Emergency Management Agency and County of Maui Department of Human Concerns, the American Red Cross will open shelters at Maui County Kaunakakai Gym on Molokaʻi, Lahaina Civic Center in West Maui and South Maui Community Park gym at 5 p.m. today, March 12, 2026.

The Department of Human Concerns confirmed with Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Wailuku that beds and other resources are available for individuals seeking shelter during the storm. Individuals needing dry shelter may go directly to Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Wailuku and sign in at the operations desk for assistance.

MEMA is coordinating with the American Red Cross and other partners to identify additional shelters that can be opened in potentially vulnerable areas if storm impacts warrant.

ROADWAY ADVISORIES

Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is asking residents and visitors to stay off roadways unless travel is essential during the severe weather event to allow for emergency access and minimize safety concerns. Recreational trips to Hāna and Haleakalā should be avoided. Treat any traffic light that is out or malfunctioning as a four-way stop.

COUNTY OFFICE CLOSURES

All County of Maui offices countywide will close at 4 p.m. today, March 12, and remain closed Friday, March 13, due to severe weather conditions and to minimize roadway traffic. Only essential workers will report to work. Department of Human Concerns Molokaʻi offices (Kaunoa Senior Services, Immigrant Services and Office on Aging) and Office of Recovery Lahaina Resource Center closed earlier today, March 12.

COUNTY RESPONSE

Mayor Richard Bissen signed an emergency proclamation on Tuesday that lets the county access state and federal assistance and streamlines procedures to quickly deploy resources, personnel and services if needed. County Emergency Operations Center went into partial activation as of 6 this morning, March 12.

MORE INFORMATION

For the latest information, visit NWS in Honolulu at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/and subscribe to MEMA alerts at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.